Quarter Finals Day 2

Quarter Finals Day 2 (05/07/14)(Brazil Date)

World Cup Quarter Finals Day 2 (Results)

FULL TIME: Argentina 1-0 Belgium

Argentina:

Gonzalo Higuain 8′

Gonzalo Higuain ended his own personal goal drought to fire Argentina into the FIFA World Cup 2014 Semi Finals in 24 years. The Napoli Striker spun on a deflected Angel Di Maria pass to volley a sensational shot into the corner on 8 minutes after some lovely approach play by Lionel Messi. It ended a 528 minutes goal drought for the forward and ensured that Argentina’s 3-match losing run at the World Cup Quarter Finals finally came to an end.

Belgium did have opportunities as the match wore on with Kevin Mirallas planting a free header agonisingly wide while at the other end, Gonzalo Higuain clipped the bar after a probing run. Marouane Fellani then nodded over when well placed and Kevin De Bruyne saw a shot deflect wide but the Red Devils couldn’t launch another late rally and Argentina held on to their lead, despite a last-gasp Lionel Messi miss, to set up a last four encounter with Netherlands.

Netherlands edge into FIFA World Cup 2014 Semi Finals after dramatic penalty shoot out. Newcastle keeper Tim Krul came off the bench to star in a penalty shoot out as Netherlands edged past plucky Costa Rica to reach the semi finals after a stalemate in extra time.

Louis van Gaal caused a major stir by replacing Jasper Cillessen in the final moment of extra time, but it proved to be a master move as the Magpies stopper kept out spot kicks from Costa Rica’s Michael Umana and Bryan Ruiz to lead Netherlands to a 4-3 success. The Dutch were made to work hard by Costa Rica as goal keeper Keylor Navas – a contender for stopper of the tournament, – pulled off a series of superb saves to deny Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Memphis Depay. The Oranje laboured for long periods but stepped up a gear in the last 10 minutes and should have won it in normal time.

First, Wesley Sneijder’s free kick from the left side of the area cannoned back off the post before he shot a sensational cross that skipper Robin van Persie missed from 6 yards out. Robin van Persie later saw his close range shot deflected off the knee of Tejeda Valverde and onto the crossbar. Sneijder then saw another of his effort come back off the bar. The Dutch failed to break the deadlock as the game went into extra time then into penalty. The Dutch will now face Argentina in a mouth watering FIFA World Cup Semi Finals.